You have to take your hat off to Peter Ebdon. Does anyone in the game try harder?
Ebdon puts in so much effort that he could never be a prolific title winner like Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan or John Higgins because he has to use up so much mental energy.
But the sheer determination and guts he shows when his game is sharp makes him one of snooker’s all time great competitors.
By winning the Maplin UK Championship last weekend, he became only the ninth player to have won both the world and UK titles.
He joins an illustrious list: Steve Davis, Terry Griffiths, Alex Higgins, Hendry, John Parrott, John Higgins, O’Sullivan and Mark Williams.
Ebdon’s 9-7 defeat of Higgins in the semi-finals was the match of the tournament and one of the best of the year.
Well done to him, though it was a shame the final didn’t match the high standards shown during the event.
4 comments:
Dave,
The semi-final was fantastic! They both admitted afterwards that they were beginning to miss pots at the end, but that was only natural in such a highly pressurised situation.
It was like a World Championship semi-final in every sense of the word.
I just wish Ebdon would play like that all the time - and in the final - and not the laborious tactics he endorses during most of his matches (in the past), which is probably why he doesn't get more recognition for his effort in the sport.
Also, I tip Hendry's son, Blaine, to be World Champion by 2020.
Thanks, Joe
Yes, Blaine looked quite handy at the table
Junior Pot Black awaits!
May I wish the Snookerscene mag a very merry xmas and a happy new year!
Thanks, Joe
I agree Dave: hatts off to Peter. More for the semi-final than for the final - it's true that he played better in the semis. Perhaps (also) because his semi-final opponent played better snooker than his final opponent did...
Blaine looks good. Who knows, maybe talent is in the genes. Hopefully, dedication too.
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